Local economy continues to buck trends

The financial headlines have been almost merciless: A recession is official. Employees across the nation are facing layoffs. People are holding tight to their money.

But the headlines in Cape Girardeau have been encouraging, specifically "Building continues in Cape despite news of recession" and "New schools mean business."

It is comforting to see the heavy machinery at work on a new Logan's Roadhouse. It is exciting to think of the opening of that restaurant along with Dexter Bar-B-Que and the electronics discounter Best Buy.

The new roads around two new schools, Central High School and the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center, attracted the attention of Southeast Missouri Hospital, which purchased some land but hasn't announced its plans. Motel and strip-mall developers also have their eyes on that neighborhood.

At the same time, local shoppers are turning out in droves for the holidays, opening their pocketbooks to keep the economy strong.

In so many ways, the Cape Girardeau area is an economic haven in a topsy-turvy world. Business owners and consumers who work to keep it that way deserve our thanks.